Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (4)

Set against the backdrop of college military training, *I Love You as a Man* follows the offbeat romance between outgoing Mai Ding and reserved An Zi Yan. When Mai Ding makes the first bold move, their friendship deepens into something more intense, navigating campus life, family pressures, and the return of an old flame. This 2014 Chinese film captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of first love with a refreshingly candid portrayal of same-sex attraction. At its core, it’s a story about courage—both in loving openly and in facing societal expectations. With a mix of playful banter, heated moments, and heartfelt growth, the film balances youthful spontaneity with the weight of real-world consequences. Though the pacing can feel rushed, the chemistry between the leads shines through, making it a memorable entry in early Chinese BL cinema.

Chen Peng

Cast

Huang Li Ge

Cast

Korn Kong

Cast

Romance

Cast

Gay Romance

Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

7.4

out of 10

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romance_dreamer

July 2025

9/10

I absolutely adored the chemistry between Mai and An Zi. They're complete opposites but that tension just sizzles. The intimate scenes felt real and passionate, not awkward at all. Yes, the plot jumps around a bit, but I was too invested in their love story to care. This is raw, honest BL that doesn't hold back.

plot_hawk

Dec 2024

5/10

The leads carry this movie on their backs, but the writing is a mess. Events happen randomly—like when Mai gets suddenly transferred out of college right after a confrontation. The pacing is jarring, and the supporting cast is wooden. I wanted to love it because the main couple has potential, but the story needed way more development.

visual_frames

Mar 2025

6/10

I’m a sucker for atmospheric cinematography, but this film is rough. Lots of shaky cam, flat lighting, and questionable audio—sometimes the dialogue dips so low I couldn't hear it. That said, a few scenes have decent composition, and the color grading captures that nostalgic college vibe. It's a low-budget labor of love, but not a visual treat.

critical_consent

Sep 2025

4/10

I appreciate that this film tried to depict a same-sex relationship openly in 2014 China, but the power dynamics and consent felt shaky. There’s a lot of sexual content that seems more about lust than emotional connection. The characters don't really grow—they just hook up and fight. For a love story, it misses the mark on showing a healthy, respectful bond.